The British updating of 'The Omega Man'

Rating: Null/10 (11 November 2002)

Ratings: * (Terrible) * * (Below Average))* * * (Not Bad) * * * * (Good) * * * * * (Brilliant)
WARNING * POSSIBLE SPOILERS * I have just returned from seeing the latest offering from British director Danny Boyle. The man who brought us the stylish scots drug movie Trainspotting has now brought his style of direction to the Horror/Sci-fi genre. 28 Days later is by all accounts a reworking of the cult sixties movie 'The Omega man'. That said it is quite different although there are a few simalaraties. A haunting and poetic movie performed by a largely unknown cast(With a few exceptions. eg. Christopher Eccleston). The movie tells the story of Jim (Cillian Murphy). A young man who awakes from a coma in a hospital stark naked. Emerging from the hospital he finds the whole of London to be very much deserted. The scene where our hero wanders aimlessly through the barren streets is captured beautifully by Boyle and is a testement to the speed and professionalism it took to shoot. Apparently the scene had to be shot under a minute. As the movie moves along Jim falls in with a young black woman (The love interest in 'The Omega Man' was black) named Selena (Naomi Harris). She tells Jim of the virus that has descimated the world leaving few survivors. Those that have been infected have either died or become Zombies (In 'The Omega Man' they were Mutants). They are referred to throughout the movie as 'The Infected'. As the story continues our characters meet a selection of different people. Notably the London Taxi driver Frank (brendon Gleeson) and his teenage daughter Hannah (Megan Burns). What takes place later on in the movie will shock some. Hannahs age is not quite known so there is a hint of under age sex. A taboo subject these days. There are scenes of men being savaged by 'The Infected'. A Boy, one of the 'The Infected' is beaten to death by Jim. This however is unseen. Plus there is the haunting image of the city of Manchester on fire. Our heroes can only watch seated in their vehicle. stunned by the sight that they see before them. Boyle keeps the pace going smoothly. Allowing the tension build. Allowing for the bleak atmosphere to set in. This is a movie that is Psychological at the best of times as well. But don't let the idea of the film being bleak put you off. The ending is not itself dark. It's quite upbeat without giving too much away. As for the performances themselves. Thet are truly outstanding. I have never heard of the likes of Cillian Murphy and Naomi Harris before but having watched them hope to do so again in the naer future. 28 Days later is not without it's faults however. Some may find the movie a bit slow for their tastes. Maybe the movie doesn't draw on 'The Infected' enough and there is on clear resolution to what is happening at the conclusion of the movie.It won't be to everybody's taste. But that said this is still an entertaining thoughtful popcorn movie. A good way to spend the night out. Rating: * * * * (Good)